Watson says injury run won't stop him bowling

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said Tuesday a horror injury run would not force him to give up bowling and become a specialist batsman.

Watson returned home to Brisbane Tuesday after breaking down with a hamstring problem in the Twenty20 World Championship, the latest in a series of injuries that kept him out of the Ashes and curtailed his World Cup.

Former Australian coach John Buchanan suggested the 26-year-old may need to concentrate on his batting because the strain of bowling was proving too much for his body.

But Watson said he was confident he would be back to his best with a rigorous rehabilitation program and he would not consider quitting bowling.

"No way, that's never crossed my mind," he told reporters.

"I love bowling too much. I'm still only 26 and I've still got quite a few years under my belt."

Watson was hailed as Australia's answer to England's Andrew Flintoff when he made his Test debut against Pakistan in January 2005.

But since then he has only managed to complete three Test matches, the last against the West Indies in November 2005.

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell last week said Watson should not be picked for Australia again until he survived a full domestic season injury-free.

The all-rounder shrugged off the criticism but admitted his Test career was in limbo until he proved he could survive the rigours of the five-day game.

"Test cricket is on the backburner for me a bit I guess," Watson said.

"The most important thing for me is to get some cricket under my belt, get some workload with my bowling and play some games.

"I know my ability and what I can do with bat and ball, and the main thing is to get some work under my belt so when I do get an opportunity I'm charged and ready to go."

He was philosophical about another stint on the sidelines.

"I'm actually excited in a way because it's a new challenge to find different ways to get the best out of my body," he said.

"It's definitely not boring, that's one thing."

Meanwhile, Australia A captain Adam Voges said he was honoured to be called in as batting cover for Ricky Ponting after a hamstring injury ruled the Australian skipper out of the upcoming tour of India.

"Ricky is one of the best players in the world, no doubt. But when I get over there, if required, I hope I can do well."

Voges, 27, said he was relishing the challenge of the Indian tour, which comprises seven one-day matches and a single Twenty20 game and begins on Saturday in Bangalore.

"India in India, I don't think you get much tougher than that. Obviously they are in form, and they have got a lot of confidence out of the Twenty20 stuff," Voges said.

"They are going to be very tough opposition when we get over there. The heat, the humidity and the hard tough cricket playing on flat pitches over there. It is hard work, but very enjoyable."